It’s February again & every advertisement, billboard and blog post seems to be about Valentine’s Day. This Valentine’s Day, do something a little different FIRST… Be your own best friend. Taking care of yourself first has many benefits – and your Valentine will thank you for it. By giving yourself love, you’re better able to give love to those in your lives!

By loving yourself first, you are telling the Universe that you are open to receive love of all kinds.

Part of self-love is respecting yourself enough to have healthy boundaries. One of my favorite quotes is “No is a complete sentence”. It’s a simple sentiment that says a lot. Loving yourself enough to say “no” and respecting yourself enough to set healthy boundaries is one of the most important things you can do for yourself.

This can boundary could be with a person, or even with yourself. Really anything that is not serving your highest and best. For example, it could be as light as going to bed every night by 10:00 to leaving an abusive relationship.

If you’re like a lot of people, you feel like you just don’t have TIME for self-care… The great thing about self-care is that a little goes a long way. Even 30 minutes a day has numerous benefits!

Self-care you can squeeze in … in 30 minutes (or less):
• Take a nap
• Listen to your favorite high school song
• Meditate
• Journal
• Get a manicure
• Call a friend
• Write a gratitude list
• Draw or paint
• Visit a local monument or historical site
• Watch your favorite TV show
• Treat yourself to lunch
• Have a good cry
• Have a good laugh
• Organize your purse
• Take a long bath
• Practice yoga
• Prepare a healthy meal
• Read
• Buy fresh flowers for your bedroom or bathroom
• Write a letter or thank you note

We tend to over-complicate things – especially when it comes to putting ourselves first. By keeping it simple, you’ll be more likely to actually do these activities that support you. Try to fit self-love and self-care into your daily routine.

By becoming your own best friend – and treating yourself like the amazing human being you are, you are teaching the rest of the world how to treat you!